OS X versions and builds

Joined
Nov 27, 2011
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I have a used 2008 Mac Pro that is running OS X 10.6.4. I have had a bunch of disk space issues that I just can't seem to resolve. So, I am going to back-up the important stuff and reformat with a fresh install of OS X. The question is, I have a late 2010 iMac that came with a OS X 10.6.4 install disc. The Mac pro didn't come with a disc. Will my iMac install disc work on the older mac pro or do build numbers have to be the same? I have read that as long as the version I'm wanting to install is newer than what the computer came with it shouldn't be an issue. But, is the grey install disc that came with my iMac specific to the iMac or is it universally compatible with any mac that meets the hardware specs needed?
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,208
Reaction score
1,411
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
But, is the grey install disc that came with my iMac specific to the iMac or is it universally compatible with any mac that meets the hardware specs needed?

This is correct. The gray/silver disks that came with your iMac are specific for that model iMac...those disks won't work on your 2008 Mac Pro.

The easy solution is purchase an OS 10.6 install disk from the Apple Store for $29:

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)

HTH,

- Nick

p.s. Not sure if you're interested...but you can also install OS 10.7 "Lion" on your Mac Pro. You would need to update the OS to at least 10.6.6 first to get access to the "Mac App Store"...then you can purchase & download Lion (10.7) on your Mac Pro.
 
OP
D
Joined
Nov 27, 2011
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I checked the build number on the Mac pro and it says 10F569. I wish there was a way to check the build number on my iMac install disc.
 

bobtomay

,
Retired Staff
Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
26,561
Reaction score
677
Points
113
Location
Texas, where else?
Your Mac's Specs
15" MBP '06 2.33 C2D 4GB 10.7; 13" MBA '14 1.8 i7 8GB 10.11; 21" iMac '13 2.9 i5 8GB 10.11; 6S
No need to check the build number. As Nick pointed out, the grey discs that ship with Macs have been system specific. They will not install on another Mac. They do not have the driver set required for any system except the one they shipped with.

You can prove it to yourself if need be after you have the MP backed up by inserting it and trying to install it. It's going to come back with a message stating that this version cannot be installed on this machine.

You will need a retail copy of SL to install 10.6 on your '08 MP.

And we haven't even talked about the fact that the EULA for the disc that shipped with the iMac being for a single Mac.
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,208
Reaction score
1,411
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
I checked the build number on the Mac pro and it says 10F569. I wish there was a way to check the build number on my iMac install disc.

Please don't be offended...but don't make it too complex. The gray/silver disks are model specific...and there's no way "newer" install disks from a 2010 iMac will work on an older computer (2008 Mac Pro)....thus there are multiple levels of incompatibility here.

And like "bobtomay" mentioned...we haven't even touched on the fact that even if you could use the iMac disks on the Mac Pro...it would be a violation of Apple's EULA. Well...I guess we did now "touch" on it!;)

Just spend the $29.00 bucks!:)

- Nick
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,208
Reaction score
1,411
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
I hear ya....I was just hoping to avoid going down that road.

How would you feel if "that road" would have cost you around $99-$129...instead of $29??;)

$99-$129 is what Apple charged for install disks for previous OS versions before OS 10.6. Apple has been "nice" to us with OS 10.6 and 10.7...only charging $29 each.:)

- Nick
 
OP
D
Joined
Nov 27, 2011
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Ok, So I'm going to get the retail copy of Snow Leopard. Do I also need to get the retail version of iLife or will the grey applications install disc work for that? Or, does iLife come with the box version of Snow Leopard...

Thanks for being gentle and patient...I'm still learning !!
 

bobtomay

,
Retired Staff
Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
26,561
Reaction score
677
Points
113
Location
Texas, where else?
Your Mac's Specs
15" MBP '06 2.33 C2D 4GB 10.7; 13" MBA '14 1.8 i7 8GB 10.11; 21" iMac '13 2.9 i5 8GB 10.11; 6S
Well, they do sell a "box set" of SL with iLife and iWorks - but don't think it's the newest versions - I'd have to check.

Personally, I'd get the $29 version of SL, update it to 10.6.8 with the combo update after you get it installed and then buy from the MAS if you want it - realizing there is no longer a iDVD or iWeb being offered. Purchasing from the MAS, you'll be able to download them onto your iMac also. If you want those two apps, then you'll need to go for the Box Set.
 

pigoo3

Well-known member
Staff member
Admin
Joined
May 20, 2008
Messages
44,208
Reaction score
1,411
Points
113
Location
U.S.
Your Mac's Specs
2017 15" MBP, 16gig ram, 1TB SSD, OS 10.15
I was checking the Apple online store earlier...and couldn't find the "Mac Box Set". Maybe Apple got rid of it with the downloadable version of 10.7.

@dgoldblatt633...not sure if you're familiar with the "Mac Box Set"...it was a software bundle that included installs for:

- OS 10.6
- iLife
- iWork

If it cannot be found at the Apple Store...then e-Bay would probably be the best place to get it. The $29 Snow Leopard install disk does not include iLife. If you're just interested in OS 10.6 and iLife11...these are what you would want to purchase:

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.)
iLife '11 - Apple Store (U.S.)

- Nick
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top